travel – Page 18 – that lemon life

Winter Wonderland

Hola everyone.

So, it’s snowing. Finally. And I don’t know why, but this year I kind of really enjoy it when I’m outside and even in Berlin and not at home – usually I hate all the mud everywhere. And to be honest, when you look outside the window and the snowflakes are dancing around in the air, you just can’t help feeling a little romantic inside.

And because I thought that it was so beautiful outside, I wrapped myself up in huge amounts of clothing and went for a little adventure with my camera. And of course I had to show you my best snaps. So, here they are. Enjoy.

Also, I just got an upgrade for my blog, so this little space here is now called “thatlemonlife.blog” (as soon as the upgrade is finished in a few hours). I seriously have my own website now. How freaking cool is that? God, I’m so excited. Also, by doing that, I will now make some changes on the site, change the design and so on. I hope you’ll love it as much as me when it’s finished. That’s a new era guys, a new era.

Oh, and thanks for being here and reading my blog and paying attention to the little dreamer know as myself. I hope you all had a great start of this week and are feeling happy. I really hope you enjoy this post and my pictures. And as always, thanks for reading. x

Bye Bye 2016

Hola everyone.

Yes, it’s really happening. 2016 is finally leaving us. And to be honest, apart from how amazing this year was for my personal life, it was horrible for the rest of the world. For our society. Our planet. Our system. And we all know why. And what brought us here.

But let’s not focus on the bad things, right? I mean, 2017 is coming. A new year. A new chance to make it better. To do good. To change the world, change our lives. And do whatever makes us happy. And the rest of the world too. Because there is nothing more important than spreading happiness and love and doing good. That’s how we can turn our beautiful mother earth into a better place for us all.

And speaking of that, I also have some new year resolutions:

don’t pressure myself so much when it comes to exam
still rock my study and university
meet new people and make new friends
laugh and love more
try as hard as I can to fulfill my dreams
work on this blog as hard as I can
post the most exciting things for you guys
spread love
cuddle with my babies
spend time with my family and my friends
do what I love and what makes me happy
travel and see the world
be a little bit more sporty
read more books
make other people happy, also you

There they are. I probably have more things I want to work on, some will probably come up through the year. And I will try my best to fulfill them all. And to make myself and everyone in my surroundings as happy as I can. Honestly, this year has been incredible for me. University worked out pretty good. I got my internship in Berlin and for real got to move there. I visited Reading festival with my mum and had the opportunity to see all of my favorite bands. Mum and me travelled to Brighton and to Copenhagen, two of the most beautiful cities ever. I read so many books which was and still is very important to me. I made a lot new friends at Uni. And I started this blog, which still makes me more and mire happy every single day. And a lot more, of course. So many things happened. And so many things will be happening. And I couldn’t be any more excited.

I can only hope that all of you also had an amazing year, apart from all the negative things that happened in this world. And that you are happy. And that you look forward to 2017. And speaking of that, I’d love to hear your new year resolutions, so don’t hesitate to tell me, okay? And until then, I hope you enjoyed this post. And as always, thanks for reading. Here’s to 2017. x

My weekend with mum and Merry Christmas

Hola everyone.

Christmas is just around the corner. Can you believe it? Because I certainly can’t, to be honest. The days just went by so quickly, it’s crazy. And as I told you last week, I still have one thing to do – tell you about my weekend with mum here in Berlin when she visited me.

First of all I have to say that it was really really amazing. I loved spending time with her, it was like a small holiday. So what did we do? On the first evening we just spent some quality time at home. Actually I picked her up from the airport when she got here in the evening. And then we just got home in my apartment and chatted. The next day, after work, we went to have dinner in a vietnamese restaurant, which was freaking amazing. And then we visited my favorite place in the city, a huge book – and a lot of other stuff – store. Until midnight and I’m not even kidding. And yes, people seriously still buy books on a Friday night.

On Saturday we went a little shopping and then went to the cinema to see the oh so beautiful movie “About Ray”, which I already told you about in my last post. What a great movie, holy moly. And then we just strolled around in town, visited a supercute cat café and again went for dinner – Mexican this time. Oh and then we walked to a really nice christmas market where I drank probably the best punch (the christmasy beverage, not what you are thinking) I’ve ever had.

And then the last day had already come. So we tried to make the most of it and went for a little brunch and then visited the famous flea market at the mauerpark. If any of you guys ever get the chance to go to Berlin, please please please visit this market. It’s like most Berlin thing you’ll see. For real. And then it was already time to bring my mum back to the airport.

So yeah, that was our weekend. Doesn’t sound like much, but it was really packed and really awesome. I loved every single moment.

Guys, I’d still like to talk about some other stuff. I know you’ve all probably heard about the terrorist attack here in Berlin. And yes, I’m alright. Actually before my dad had called me, I didn’t even know anything about it. After all those nice days with mum that really brought me back to earth, right to the ground. I was extremely shocked. I mean, terror isn’t something new, not this year (2016, we really need to talk). But being in like the same city, just a few miles away from the place of the attack is different. Too different for me to process it completely. I’m extremely sad for all the people who were affected by the attack and can just hope that next year will be better. I mean, we are all humans, we live on such a beautiful planet, why can’t we all just live in peace?

But christmas is coming, so let’s concentrate on the nice things, right? Anyways, I just wanted to thank you guys for being here and for reading my blog. You make me so happy, every single day of my life. I started this blog because I wanted to try it. I was curious. And I liked the idea of sharing the things I love and happiness with the world, with all of you. And I’ve loved it ever since. More and more every day. And let me tell you, 2017 is going to be a good year, a big one. I have a lot of things planned, a lot of them are just about to happen, so stay tuned. I hope you’re as excited as me. And until then, I wish you all the most amazing christmas and a beautiful time with your loved ones. Oh and if you want to, I’d be really excited to hear what you are all doing this christmas. I’m actually flying home today and I’m soooo excited, oh my god. So, I’ll “see” you all next week. Happy holidays and merry christmas. And as always, thanks for reading. x hohoho

Ps: Snow is actually falling on my blog, how freaking cute is that? Oh my god

About Ray

Hola everyone.

I know it’s late. Very late, to be honest. But I didn’t have any time to write today, it was horrible. And after work I had to go christmas presents shopping and then I had to make myself some food and now I’m here. Anyways, I just wanna apologize for being so late.

I know you all probably expect a post about my weekend with my mum, but I thought I’d postpone that to Friday and tell you about a certain part of our time. To be exact, the day we went to the cinema and watched one of the most special and beautiful movies I’ve ever seen. And as you can all see at the title, I’m talking about the masterpiece “About Ray”.

Let me first tell you what the movie is all about. About Ray is about a girl or boy, who feels like she’s / he’s born in the wrong body. Since she was just four years old, Ramona felt like something about her just didn’t feel right. Fast forward to Ray, now 16 years old and desperate to start the gender transition. But exactly that, his age, is the problem. It means that he needs his family to be okay with loosing their daughter/granddaughter. Not to mention that his grandma still thinks that Ray should just be gay.

I guess you guys can already sense the drama and all the emotions. And I can tell you, there A LOT of emotions. Beginning with Ray, who just wants a normal life, a normal family. Then his mother, who never thought that she would loose Ramona so fast. And Rays grandma Dodo and her girlfriend Honey, who even live all under one roof. Oh and let’s not forget his dad, who left when he was just a little baby and now has to sign one of the most important papers of Rays life.

If you’re asking yourself, yes, I cried. Many times. And I had to stop myself, for real. The movie gave me such an urge to fully cry, the loud, sobbing, heartbreaking type of cry. And I think mum did too.

Apart from the unique and amazing story, the movie is turned into something perfect by the fascinating camera work – it’s actually more like some kind of art, so damn amazing – and of course the breathtaking actors. Elle Fanning is so real in her role as Ray and Naomi Watts as the mother is just mind-blowing. Mum said that she could really feel how hard she tried to let her daughter go and welcome her son. It was kinda heartbreaking, to be honest. Because of both sides, Rays and his mums. Oh and probably too because I watched it with my mum and this movie is all about mothers and daughters/sons.

I asked my mum later on if she would accept it if I told her that I felt like I lived a lie and wanted to change my gender completely. She said yes. And I am thankful for that. Because it is for sure a hard thing to say, even if it’s just hypothetically.

All in all, the movie About Ray was everything I expected it to be and so much more. I loved every second of it, even when it broke my heart. I think that’s the kind of story and movie everyone should get to know and see. Because it’s such an important and recent topic. So guys, I can really just recommend this movie to all of you. If you have the chance, please go and watch it. Please. And if any of you have seen it, what do you think about it? Did you like it as much as me? Tell me. And until then, sorry again for being so late, I hope you still enjoyed this post and, as always, thanks for reading. x

I got myself a M&G

Hola everyone.

So, actually, this is kind of a funny story. And it’s probably one of the proudest moments of my life, because as you know, I’m a shy little bird, just learning to get out of its nest.

Anyways, that’s a whole other story. The thing I really want to tell you about is the concert I went to with my friend Leni this week. She had visited me for 6 days and the concert was like the perfect ending of amazing 6 days. Actually, it was her idea, because she wanted to see him – oh, by the way, it was a Tom Odell concert – and I thought “hey, why not?”. So we got our tickets and headed off to the venue.

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We got there a little late because why should we stress ourselves and just in time for the support act to come to its end. The band was called Jane’s Party and I have to admit, I was pretty amazed by their set. They are a young up and coming indie pop rock band and it was really nice to hear some kind of indie rock before Tom would take the stage with his piano.
So, they played their set and then we had to wait for Tom, of course. And in that time we went over to the merch stand and I noticed the black markers who were lying on the table. And I was like “hey, maybe they’re going to come out and do a little signing session”. Because the support act doing things like that is so common here, I’ve been to three concerts and it alwaaays happened. So I was already pretty excited, even though until this very evening I had never heard of the band.

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Then we got back to the space we had decided to be ours, but soon Leni told me that the drummer of the band had just gone to the merch stand. And I was like “oh my, I have to get an autograph”. Sadly, Leni was too nervous and shy – which I am usually too – so I went over to him all by myself. And the funny thing is, when I got there he told me that I could get a CD for any price I wanted. I had actually just given Leni my last cash, so I just had 5 euros left. And he seriously took them. And then he signed my ticket and gave me two – not one – TWO CDs. And I couldn’t believe it. I went back to Leni with the biggest grin ever, I thought that was soooo cool. I was seriously amazed.

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And then Tom came and played his show and although his music isn’t really what I usually listen too, I really enjoyed the show. The band was amazing, he was fantastic and there was a whole lot of energy in the room and it just overwhelmed me so much that I just had to love the show. Which I did, for real.

And then the show ended and Leni and I sat down to wait until the other people had left and we could leave the venue more easily. And then I saw that the other band mates of Jane’s Party had come out and I just had to get their autographs too. So we sat there and waited for the people to leave. While staring at the hot lead singer of the band, who made us both pretty nervous, because he seriously looks like a young DiCaprio and I’m not even kidding.

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So when there were finally less people chatting with them, we walked up to them. At this time, Leni had just overcome her shyness and also wanted to meet them. We first talked to the guitarist called Tom who was soooo damn nice. He actually asked us for our names and dedicted the CD to us. And I was thinking “I don’t want this to be like get a sign and just say thanks and leave”. I wanted to get to know them, be nice and just a normal human being doing conversations so I randomly started chatting to him. And it was so cool. And I was soooo damn proud of myself for that. Because as I said, usually I’m even too shy to talk to somebody new on the phone, so until now talking to bands was like completely out of my mind. But at that moment I just did it and it was awesome. We talked about the tour and everything and he was sooo nice.

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Then we waited for the next one – the hot one called Devon or DiCaprio 2.0. – as suddenly another band mate came up to us and asked us if we he should sign our CDs. And of course we said yes. Then he went away but came back again after like a second to ask us if we wanted to take a picture because he – and I quote – “couldn’t just let him (DiCaprio 2.0.) get to take all the pictures”. And I thought that was so funny and so TRUE.

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And then again there was this moment of total awkward silence and I was like, I don’t want to just stand here, saying nothing. So I again just started a conversation and I think he was actually happy that we talked to him. We talked about their tour and that they should come to our country and he told us which cities and countries he would like to visit. And he again asked for our names and told us how happy he was to meet us. It was so personal and nice and I was so happy.

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And then we waited for the last two members to sign our CDs. Unfortunately we couldn’t talk to DiCaprio 2.0. I actually think that the whole signing part was just some kind of marketing thing for them, but it was great seeing them anyway. And yes, he looked even better up close.

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And suddenly we noticed that we were like two of the last few people to be in the venue and it was so cool. And when we got out, we walked past Jeff (the one we took a pic with) and he again said goodbye to us and I think that that’s extreeeeemly cute. Because that showed that he was geniouly happy to have talked to us. And yes, I went out of the venue with the biggest smile on my face.

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To be honest, I’m still shocked that this really happened. I mean, I never thought that I would be able to overcome my shyness and for real talk to a band. A real and freaking amazing band. The both signed CDs are now right on my shelf at home and two of the coolest pieces in my flat. Apart from the signed tickets. I couldn’t be any happier about how this whole thing went and I know that I’ll never forget this evening.

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For the last part I want to tell you something guys. Please, if you EVER get the chance to meet a band – even if the band is like super small and unknown – go up to them and talk to them. Really. You won’t regret it. And the band will love you for showing interest. Seriously. That’s something I was always scared of but know am aware that it’s one of the greatest things ever. So, just do it (insert Shia LaBeouf voice).

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So, there you go guys. This is the story of how I got myself a free Meet & Greet. If any of you want to know more about the concert or the band or the meetup, I’m here. And until then I hope you enjoyed this post and, as always, thanks for reading. x

Berlin – Black and White

Hola everyone.

So I know, this is usually the moment I do my little update about my life in Berlin, but actually there is nothing much to say.

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Basically I’m just adjusting to the city and the life here, getting used to it, doing stuff, seeing things and enjoying it as much as I can. And a part of that is walking around with my camera. Unfortunately winter is coming which means the sun is already saying goodbye when I’m just getting out of bed on weekends. So yeah, pretty stupid. And yes, I really sleep that long and yes, I love it.

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But I thought, how could I take nice pics without bothering what time it is. And then I remembered how fascinating black and white pics are and I just made a whole project out of it – my view of Berlin at night in black and white (that rhymed).

So, down there you can find all of my fave pics I took – of course there are more – and I really really hope you like them as much as I do. I had a lot of fun taking them.

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And as usual, if any of you want to talk, I’m here. And until then I hope you enjoyed this post and my pics and, as always, thanks for reading. x